U.S. patent application number 13/674234 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-15 for device and method for distributing power at a remote pumping system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dresser Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is DRESSER INC.. Invention is credited to Francisco Manuel Gutierrez.
Application Number | 20140136001 13/674234 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49681156 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140136001 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gutierrez; Francisco
Manuel |
May 15, 2014 |
DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTING POWER AT A REMOTE PUMPING
SYSTEM
Abstract
Embodiments of devices and methods distribute power in a remote
pumping system to avoid charge imbalances in energy storage devices
of an array. These embodiments identify certain energy storage
devices in the array in which the output voltage is less than or
equal to a threshold value. In one example, power from a plurality
of power sources is directed to the non-performing energy storage
devices to expedite re-charging of these energy storage
devices.
Inventors: |
Gutierrez; Francisco Manuel;
(League City, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DRESSER INC. |
Addison |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Dresser Inc.
Addison
TX
|
Family ID: |
49681156 |
Appl. No.: |
13/674234 |
Filed: |
November 12, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
700/286 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 7/35 20130101; H02J
3/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/286 |
International
Class: |
G05B 19/02 20060101
G05B019/02 |
Claims
1. A power management device for distributing power in a pump
system, said power management device comprising: a processor; a
memory coupled with the processor; and executable instructions
stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the
processor, the executable instruction comprising instructions for:
receiving signals encoding an operating characteristic for energy
storage devices in an array; comparing the operating characteristic
to a performance metric; assigning a tag to the energy storage
devices in the array, the tag including a first tag that identifies
energy storage devices with one or more operating characteristics
that fail to satisfy the performance metric; and generating an
output encoding instructions to direct power from a first power
source and a second power source to the energy storage devices in
response to the presence of the first tag.
2. The power management device of claim 1, wherein the performance
metric includes a first threshold value for a charge level of the
energy storage devices, and wherein the first tag identifies energy
storage devices in which the charge level is at or below the
threshold value.
3. The power management device of claim 2, further comprising
instructions for calculating the threshold value as an average
voltage across the energy storage devices in the array.
4. The power management device of claim 2, further comprising
instructions for disconnecting energy storage devices in which the
charge level is at or below a second threshold value that is less
than the first threshold value.
5. The power management device of claim 1, further comprising a
switching interface with switches that change position in response
to the output, wherein the switching interface has a first
configuration that defines a first position for the switches to
direct power from the first power source and the second power
source to the energy storage devices with the first tag.
6. The power management device of claim 5, further comprising a
converter element that converts the output from a digital signal to
an analog signal, wherein the switches operate in the first
position in response to the analog signal.
7. The power management device of claim 1, further comprising
instructions for designating the first power source and the second
power source as a primary source and a secondary source, wherein
the primary source couples with energy storage devices in the array
that do not have the first tag.
8. The power management device of claim 7, wherein the primary
source has an output power that is greater than the output power of
the secondary power source.
9. The power management device of claim 7, further comprising
accessing a chronological feature that defines operation of the
first power source and the second power source as the primary
source and the secondary source.
10. The power management device of claim 9, wherein the
chronological feature comprises a pre-programmed calendar.
11. A system, comprising: a plurality of power sources comprising a
first power source and a second power source; a power management
device coupled with the first power source and the second power
source; and an array of energy storage devices coupled with the
power management device, wherein the power management device
comprises a control circuit with switches that have a first
position to direct power from the first power source and the second
power source to energy storage devices in the array that have a
charge level that fails to satisfy a performance metric.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the control circuit comprises a
comparator module couple with the switches, wherein the comparator
module comprises a comparator element for each of the energy
storage devices that compares the charge level of the energy
storage devices with a reference voltage, and wherein the switches
enter the first position when the charge level is at or below the
reference voltage.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the control circuit comprises a
processor, memory, and executable instructions stored on memory and
configured to be executed by the processor, the executable
instruction comprising instructions for: receiving signals encoding
an operating characteristic for the energy storage devices;
comparing the operating characteristic to the performance metric;
assigning a tag to the energy storage devices in the array, the tag
including a first tag that identifies energy storage devices in
which the charge level fails to satisfy the performance metric; and
generating an output encoding instructions to place the switches in
the first position in response to the presence of the first
tag.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of power source
comprise a solar panel and a wind turbine.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein the control circuit designates
the first power source and the second power source as a primary
source and a secondary source.
16. A method, comprising: at a power management device comprising a
control circuit: receiving signals encoding an output voltage for
energy storage devices in an array; comparing the output voltage to
a threshold value; assigning a tag to the energy storage devices in
the array, the tag including a first tag that identifies energy
storage devices in which the output voltage is less than or equal
to the threshold voltage; and generating an output encoding
instructions to direct power from a first power source and a second
power source to the energy storage devices that exhibit the first
tag.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising calculating the
threshold value as an average voltage across the energy storage
devices in the array.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising disconnecting energy
storage devices in which the charge level is at or below a
disconnect threshold.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first tag identifies energy
storage devices in which the output voltage is less than or equal
to a low voltage threshold, and wherein the low voltage threshold
is greater than the disconnect threshold.
20. The method of claim 16, further comprising designating the
first power source and the second power source as a primary source
and a secondary source, wherein power output from the primary
source is greater than power output from the secondary source.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to power
management and distribution and, in one particular implementation,
to power management in pump systems that operate at remote
locations.
[0002] Extraction of natural resources (e.g., oil, natural gas,
etc.) occurs in locations throughout the world. These locations are
often found in remote regions, far from cities and towns and,
likely, far removed from common sources of power, e.g., electrical
power supplied by a power grid. Power is essential, however, to
operate equipment (e.g., pumps) necessary to move resources from
below the ground to pipelines and tanks for transport to other
locales. At some sites, for example, pump systems inject chemicals
(e.g., corrosion inhibitors) into wells to prevent pipeline
corrosion, which can lead to leaks that discharge effluent at
significant environmental and financial costs.
[0003] These pump systems make use of alternative power sources to
operate pumps and other components in lieu of the electrical power
supply via connection with the power grid. Although
combustion-based devices (e.g., gas generators) may be used,
preference is given to alternative energy sources (e.g., solar
panels and wind turbines) to avoid fuel costs and hydrocarbon
emissions. Some locations may also include storage devices to store
energy from the alternative energy sources. The storage devices can
supplement output from the alternative sources, e.g., during
low-sun and/or low-wind conditions.
[0004] Batteries are one common type of storage device. Pump
systems may utilize a number of batteries that form a system or an
array. Examples of the array connect the batteries in parallel to
meet the discharge and storage needs at each remote sight. However,
batteries are known to discharge at slightly different rates. This
characteristic can lead to voltage imbalances that impact the
amount of current that is drawn from each battery found in the
array. As a result, stronger batteries with charge levels that are
relatively larger than the charge levels of weaker batteries in the
array may tend to carry the weaker batteries when driving a load
(e.g., the pump). Operation of the array in this manner can reduce
the life-span of the batteries, which in turn will require
maintenance at greater frequency to replace dead and/or
under-performing batteries at the remote sight.
[0005] Solutions exist to avoid these discharge problems. The array
may incorporate elements (e.g., diodes) to isolate common contact
points. This solution can prevent stronger batteries from charging
weaker batteries in the array. In other configurations, the array
may include a DC/DC converter at each battery to maintain
uniformity of the voltage levels at the common contact points.
However, operation of the DC/DC converters and like devices draw
power from the batteries, which reduces the total charge available
to operate the pump system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0006] This disclosure proposes improvements to address voltage
imbalances across energy storage devices (e.g., batteries) in an
array. As set forth below, the embodiments below utilize conditions
(e.g., voltage) of the energy storage devices to allocate power
across the array. For example, energy storage devices with charge
levels below the charge level of other energy storage devices in
the array can receive power necessary to increase charge levels
and, ultimately, boost performance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Reference is now made briefly to the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic diagram of an exemplary
embodiment of a remote pump system;
[0009] FIG. 2 depicts a flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of
a method for distributing power at a remote pump system;
[0010] FIG. 3 depicts a flow diagram of another exemplary
embodiment of a method for distributing power at a remote pump
system;
[0011] FIG. 4 depicts a high-level wiring schematic of an exemplary
embodiment of a remote pump system; and
[0012] FIG. 5 depicts a high-level wiring schematic of an exemplary
embodiment of a remote pump system.
[0013] Where applicable like reference characters designate
identical or corresponding components and units throughout the
several views, which are not to scale unless otherwise
indicated.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a remote pump system 100
(also "system 100") for use in locations where power is generally
unavailable from conventional supplies, e.g., via the power grid.
The system 100 includes a power management device 102 that couples
with a load 104 (e.g., a pump). The power management device 102
also couples with one or more power sources (e.g., a first power
source 106 and a second power source 108) and a peripheral power
source, which in this example includes an array 110 of one or more
energy storage devices (e.g., a first energy storage device 112, a
second energy storage device 114, and a third energy storage device
116).
[0015] The power sources 106, 108 harvest energy from renewable
and/or re-usable sources. Examples of these sources can incorporate
solar panels and wind turbines, although this disclosure
contemplates use of other power generating equipment (e.g., gas
generators, fuel cells, etc.) as well. The power sources 106, 108
can also include fuel cells and similar devices that convert
chemical energy to electricity. Collectively, these types of
renewable or "green" technology may be preferred to reduce
pollution and emission indicative of combustion-type devices.
Moreover, use of sources that do not require fuels (e.g., gasoline,
diesel, etc.) that would likely require less maintenance to re-fill
depleted storage tanks with fuel.
[0016] The array 110 can include devices (e.g., the first energy
storage device 112, the second energy storage device 114, the third
energy storage device 116) that store, retain, and discharge energy
to operate the load 104. This disclosure contemplates various types
of devices for use as energy storage devices 112, 114. Generally,
these devices can receive inputs (e.g., electrical power) that can
change one or more operating characteristics of the energy storage
device. The operating characteristics include voltage levels (also
"charge levels"), which increase in response to the electrical
power input from the power sources 106, 108. Exemplary devices can
comprise fuel cells and batteries, e.g., lead acid, nickel cadmium
(NiCd), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium ion (Li-ion), and
lithium ion polymer (Li-ion polymer), among many other combinations
of constituent components that permit recharging of the energy
storage devices.
[0017] The power management device 102 can process input signals
and output signals to manage operation of the system 100. Devices
for use in or as the power management device 102 may utilize
circuits and circuitry with combinations of discrete electrical
elements (e.g., transistors, resistors, capacitors, switches,
etc.). The operation of these discrete electrical elements allow
the power management device 102 to generate outputs in response to
the various inputs as desired. In one example, the power management
device 102 can employ processing elements in the form of a
microprocessor (e.g., ASIC) and/or like configured central
processing unit (CPU) that can process executable instructions,
e.g., in the form of software, computer programs, firmware, etc.
These types of processing elements can work in conjunction with
various circuits to operate the system 100 as contemplated
herein.
[0018] Input signals can be in the form of signals that encode
information about operation (e.g., voltage levels, current levels,
etc.) of the energy storage devices 112, 114, 116. These signals
can also encode information about operation (e.g., output power) of
the power sources 106, 108. The power management device 102, in one
implementation, generate output signals that can encode
instructions to direct output power from the power sources 106, 108
to the array 110, to the load 104, and combinations thereof. This
feature can selectively utilize one or both of the power sources
106, 108 to recharge the energy storage devices 112, 114, 116. For
purposes of one example, the second power source 108 may supplement
charge the first power source 106 provides to the energy storage
devices 112, 114, 116. The second power source 108 can supplement
the charge, thereby causing recharging to occur more quickly than
if only the first power source 106 was used for this purpose.
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary method 200 that provides an
advantageous way to distribute power that the power sources 106,
108 generate among the components of the system 100. The method 200
includes, at block 202, receiving signals encoding an operating
characteristic for energy storage devices in an array and, a block
204, comparing the operating characteristic to a performance
metric. The method 200 also includes, at block 206, assigning a tag
to the energy storage devices in the array. In one embodiment, the
tag includes a first tag that identifies energy storage devices
with one or more operating characteristics that fail to satisfy the
performance metric. The method 200 further includes, at block 208,
generating an output encoding instructions to direct power from a
first power source and a second power source to the energy storage
devices in response to the presence of the first tag.
[0020] In one embodiment, the method 200 may also include steps for
receiving inputs that also encode values for the performance metric
and other parameters useful for determining power distribution.
These inputs may arise from an end user, e.g., through a user
interface and/or other implement through which the end user can
interact to supply the inputs. Examples of the inputs include the
number of energy storage devices in the array, the number of power
sources, the type of power sources, and threshold values for the
performance metrics.
[0021] With reference also to FIG. 1, embodiments of the method 200
help prevent charge differentials in systems like system 100. The
signals from the energy storage devices 112, 114, 116 (e.g., at
block 202) can encode any one of voltage, current, temperature, and
resistance. In one example, the method 200 is configured to
constantly query the energy storage devices 112, 114, thereby
receiving information during operation of the system 100 to
determine if any of the energy storage devices 112, 114, 116 are in
need of charge or, in one example, in need of replacement. In other
examples, queries may occur on a periodic basis, which can be
defined by a pre-determined time period (e.g., minutes, hours,
days, weeks, etc.)
[0022] The step of comparing the operating characteristic (e.g., at
block 204) can use performance metrics that help identify operating
differences among the energy storage devices 112, 114, 116 in the
array 110. As mentioned above, the performance metric can identify
a threshold value for the operating characteristics, e.g., a
voltage threshold, a current threshold, a temperature threshold,
etc. The threshold value can be pre-set and/or stored in memory as
a pre-determined value. In other examples, the method 200 can
include steps for calculating the threshold value as an average
value across the energy storage devices in the array. This
calculated average may be calculated across all of the energy
storage devices or, in one example, across a subset that is less
than all the energy storage devices as desired. The method 200 can
execute these calculations periodically, e.g., only if there is a
change in the number of available energy storage devices in the
array.
[0023] The step of assigning the tag (e.g., at block 206) can help
to distinguish between the stronger and weaker energy storage
devices in the array. In one example, the tags identify energy
storage devices as non-performing that, in one example, exhibit
voltage levels that are at, equal to, and/or below a threshold
value for the performance metric. The energy storage devices that
are identified as the non-performing energy storage devices may
require additional charge to return to proper performance levels.
In one example, proper performance levels define charge levels for
the energy storage device that are at maximum voltage and/or within
95% of maximum voltage.
[0024] The output (e.g., at block 208) can encode instructions that
indicate how the system 100 allocates power across the system 100.
The allocation may take into consideration power that is required
to drive the load 104 of the system 100. Allocated power may also
be necessary to boost performance (e.g., recharge) the tagged,
non-performing energy storage devices. In one embodiment, the
method 200 can include steps for designating the power sources 106,
108 as, for example, a primary source and a secondary source. Power
from the primary source is used to operate the load 104 and other
equipment that requires power in the system 100. Power from the
primary power source can also help to recharge the non-performing
energy storage devices. On the other hand, power from the secondary
source is used to supplement the primary source to facilitate
recharging of the non-performing energy storage devices.
[0025] Designation of the primary source and the secondary source
may utilize signals that encode a power output level for the first
power source 106 and the second power source 108. In one example,
the power output level for the primary source is greater than the
power output level for the secondary source. The method 200 may, in
one embodiment, utilize other parameters (alone and/or in addition
to power output level) to designate the power sources 106, 108 as
the primary source and the secondary source. Examples of these
parameters can identify the time of day, week, month, or year in
which the power sources 106, 108 are likely to operate more
effectively that the others. These chronological-type parameters
may utilize a pre-programmed calendar, on which the particular
designation of the primary source and the secondary source is
found. This calendar may utilize the granularity of the calendar
days or, more broadly, use the generally designated seasons (e.g.,
fall, winter, spring, summer). Collectively, the chronological
feature may work appropriately to identify when to designate a
solar panel as the primary power source (e.g., during daylight
hours and/or in the summer) and when to designate a wind turbine as
the primary power (e.g., during the winter time). In other
examples, the parameters may include weather conditions (e.g.,
cloudy, windy, sunny, etc.) that indicate the optimal conditions in
which the power sources will operate.
[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates another example of a method 300 to
distribute power from multiple power sources in a remote pump
system. The method 300 includes, at block 310, comparing the
voltage to a disconnect threshold, which defines the minimum
voltage threshold that is acceptable for energy storage devices in
the array. If the voltage level does not satisfy the disconnect
threshold, then the method 300 includes, at block 312,
disconnecting the energy storage device from the array. On the
other hand, if the voltage level satisfies the disconnect
threshold, then the method 300 continues at block 314, comparing
the voltage level to a low voltage threshold valve. In one
embodiment, if the first voltage does not satisfy the low voltage
threshold value, the method 300 includes, at block 316, assigning a
low voltage tag to the first energy storage device. If the first
voltage satisfies the low voltage threshold value, then the method
300 includes, at block 318, assigning an acceptable voltage tag to
the first energy storage device.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the method 300 further includes, at
block 320, determining whether any additional energy storage
devices in the array require charge level evaluation. If other
energy storage devices are left, the method 300 can return back,
e.g., to block 302 to receive the voltage level for the next energy
storage device. This feature allows the method 300 to iteratively
interrogate all of the energy storage devices in the array to
disconnect other "dead" energy storage devices and/or to identify
other energy storage devices that require additional charging. On
the other hand, if there are no other energy storage devices that
require analysis, the method 300 continues, at block 308, to
generate an output encoding instructions to direct power from power
sources as set forth herein.
[0028] In one embodiment, the method 300 can also include steps for
calculating the low voltage threshold (e.g., at block 322), e.g.,
after disconnecting energy storage devices that do not satisfy the
disconnect threshold. This step for calculating can maintain the
low voltage threshold value as an average voltage across the energy
storage devices in the array that remain connected in the array.
For purposes of one example, and with reference to FIG. 1, the
initial low voltage threshold may comprise an average voltage
across all of the energy storage devices 112, 114, 116 in the array
110. If one of the energy storage devices (e.g., the energy storage
device 112) is disconnected, the method 300 can recalculate the
average voltage across the energy storage devices 112, 114 that
remain connected in the array 110.
[0029] The method 300 may also include steps for activating and/or
operating indicators that are tagged as non-performing (e.g., that
are disconnected and that are identified with the low voltage tag).
Exemplary indicators may include lights (e.g., light-emitting
diodes) of varying colors for each tag and audible sounds. When
utilized in conjunction with a user interface on a display, the
indicators may modify the user interface to provide visual
indication to the end user of the tag assigned to the respective
energy storage devices. Moreover, the method 300 may include steps
for generating an output message, e.g., in the form of an email
message, text message, and the like. The output message can alert
individuals of issues and/or problems. In one example, the output
message may identify use of an emergency backup power unit (e.g., a
fuel cell), that can be activated in the event that other power
sources that are part of the system are not available and/or are
not generating sufficient power output. The output message can, in
one implementation, provide an alarm and/or alert message, e.g.,
that identifies activation of the emergency backup power unit.
[0030] FIG. 4 depicts a schematic diagram that presents, at a high
level, a wiring schematic for an embodiment of a pump system 400
that can distribute power from the first power source 406 and the
second power source 408 among the load 404 and the first energy
storage device 412, the second energy storage device 414, and the
third energy storage device 416. In one embodiment, the power
management device 402 includes a processor 418, memory 420, and
control circuitry 422. Busses 424 couple the components of the
power management device 402 together to permit the exchange of
signals, data, and information from one component of the power
management device 402 to another. In one example, the control
circuitry 422 includes power source sensing circuitry 426 which
couples with the power sources 406, 408. The control circuitry 422
also includes energy storage device characteristic sensing
circuitry 428 that couples with the energy storage devices 412,
414, 416 and switching drive circuitry 430, which may couple with a
signal converter 432 (e.g., a digital-to-analog converter). The
signal converter 432 couples with a switching interface 434, which
directs power to the load 404 and one or more of the energy storage
devices 412, 414, 416 as contemplated herein. As also shown in FIG.
4, memory 420 can include one or more software programs 436 in the
form of software and/or firmware, each of which can comprise one or
more executable instructions configured to be executed by the
processor 418.
[0031] This configuration of components can dictate operation of
the power management device 402 to analyze data, e.g., information
encoded by signals from power sources 406, 408 and/or energy
storage devices 412, 414, 416, to identify the primary and
secondary power sources as well as to assign one or more tags. The
power management device 402 can also provide signals (or inputs or
outputs) to change the configuration of the switching interface
434. The configuration can direct the power from the power sources
406, 408 via one or more electrical connections that couple the
power sources 406, 408 with the load 404 and the energy storage
devices 412, 414, 416 as desired. Examples of the switching
interface 434 can include a variety of electrical components, e.g.,
metal-oxide field effect transistors (MOSFETS) that are switchable
between positions to direct the power as set forth herein. In this
connection, the converter 432 may be required to modify signals
from the switching drive circuitry 430 to appropriate formats
and/or readable indications by the components of the switching
interface 434.
[0032] The power management device 402 (and the other components of
system 400) and its constructive components can communicate amongst
themselves and/or with other circuits (and/or devices), which
execute high-level logic functions, algorithms, as well as
executable instructions (e.g., firmware instructions, software
instructions, software programs, etc.). Exemplary circuits of this
type include discrete elements such as resistors, transistors,
diodes, switches, and capacitors. Examples of the processor 418
include microprocessors and other logic devices such as field
programmable gate arrays ("FPGAs") and application specific
integrated circuits ("ASICs"). Although all of the discrete
elements, circuits, and devices function individually in a manner
that is generally understood by those artisans that have ordinary
skill in the electrical arts, it is their combination and
integration into functional electrical groups and circuits that
generally provide for the concepts that are disclosed and described
herein.
[0033] The structure of the components in the power management
device 402 can permit certain determinations as to selected
configuration and desired operating characteristics that an end
user convey via the graphical user interface or that are retrieved
or need to be retrieved by the device. For example, the electrical
circuits of the power management device 402 can physically manifest
theoretical analysis and logical operations and/or can replicate in
physical form an algorithm, a comparative analysis, and/or a
decisional logic tree, each of which operates to assign the output
and/or a value to the output that correctly reflects one or more of
the nature, content, and origin of the changes that occur and that
are reflected by the inputs to the power management device 402 as
provided by the corresponding control circuitry, e.g., in the
control circuitry 422.
[0034] In one embodiment, the processor 418 is a central processing
unit (CPU) such as an ASIC and/or an FPGA that is configured to
instruct and/or control operation of one or more devices. This
processor can also include state machine circuitry or other
suitable components capable of controlling operation of the
components as described herein. The memory 420 includes volatile
and non-volatile memory and can store executable instructions in
the form of and/or including software (or firmware) instructions
and configuration settings. Each of the control circuitry 422 can
embody stand-alone devices such as solid-state devices. Examples of
these devices can mount to substrates such as printed-circuit
boards and semiconductors, which can accommodate various components
including the processor 418, the memory 420, and other related
circuitry to facilitate operation of the power management device
402.
[0035] However, although FIG. 4 shows the processor 418, the memory
420, and the components of the control circuitry 422 as discrete
circuitry and combinations of discrete components, this need not be
the case. For example, one or more of these components can comprise
a single integrated circuit (IC) or other component. As another
example, the processor 418 can include internal program memory such
as RAM and/or ROM. Similarly, any one or more of functions of these
components can be distributed across additional components (e.g.,
multiple processors or other components).
[0036] FIG. 5 depicts a schematic diagram that presents, at a high
level, a wiring schematic that describes topology for an embodiment
of a pump system 500 that can distribute power from the first power
source 506 and the second power source 508 among the load 504 and
the first energy storage device 512, the second energy storage
device 514, and the third energy storage device 516. In the
exemplary topology of FIG. 5, the power management device 502
includes a switching interface 534, which utilizes a plurality of
switching modules (e.g., a first switching module 538, a second
switching module 540, and a third switching module 542) that
include a plurality of switches 544.
[0037] A comparator module 546 couples with the switching interface
534 to change the position of the switches 544. The comparator
module 546 includes one or more comparator elements (e.g., a first
comparator element 548, a second comparator element 550, and a
third comparator element 552) and reference elements 554. In one
example, the reference elements 554 generate a reference voltage
for use with the comparator elements 548, 550, 552. The power
management device 502 can also include a variety of discrete
elements that help facilitate operation of the switches 544 and/or
to perform other functions to distribute power from the power
sources 506, 508. Examples of these discrete elements include
amplifiers (e.g., amplifiers 556, 558, 560, 562), gate devices
(e.g., AND gate 564), diodes (e.g., diodes 566, 568, 570, 572, 574,
576, 578, 580), and power coupling switches (e.g., switches 582,
584).
[0038] Examples of the comparator module 546 can take the place of
processors (e.g., processor 418 of FIG. 4) to generate outputs that
direct power from power sources 506, 508 as desired. In one
example, the comparator modules 548, 550, 552 monitor the output
voltage of the energy storage devices 512, 514, 516 and, as shown
in FIG. 5, can generate outputs to change to the configuration of
the switches 544 in the switches modules 538, 540, 542. These
configurations can disconnect the energy storage devices 512, 514,
516 (if necessary) and/or couple power from one or more of the
power sources 506, 508 to charge the energy storage devices that
require additional charging.
[0039] In view of the foregoing discussion, one or more of the
steps of the methods 200 and 300 can be coded as one or more
executable instructions (e.g., hardware, firmware, software,
software programs, etc.). These executable instructions can be part
of a computer-implemented method and/or program, which can be
executed by a processor and/or processing device. Examples of the
power management device (e.g., power management device 102 of FIG.
1 and power management device 302 of FIG. 4) can execute these
executable instructions to generate certain outputs, e.g., a signal
that encodes instructions to change the position of the diffuser
vanes as suggested herein.
[0040] A technical effect afforded embodiments of the systems and
methods disclosed herein is to facilitate distribution of power
from sources in remote pump systems. Implementation of the methods,
for example, can monitor performance of energy storage devices in
the power system to identify energy storage devices that require
recharging. The methods can also compare performance of the power
sources against one another, and/or against a pre-determined
criteria (e.g., calendar). These steps can help properly
distinguish between a plurality of sources to identify, for
example, the power sources with relatively higher power output than
other sources and use the higher-output power source to power the
components of the pump system.
[0041] Moreover, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art,
aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system,
method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the
present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware
embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware,
resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining
software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to
herein as a "circuit," "module" or "system." Furthermore, aspects
of the present invention may take the form of a computer program
product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having
computer readable program code embodied thereon.
[0042] Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s)
may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer
readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium.
Examples of a computer readable storage medium include an
electronic, magnetic, electromagnetic, and/or semiconductor system,
apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.
More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer
readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical
connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette,
a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory
(ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash
memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory
(CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or
any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this
document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible
medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in
connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or
device.
[0043] A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated
data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein,
for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a
propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms and any
suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may
be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable
storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a
program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution
system, apparatus, or device.
[0044] Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be
transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited
to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any
suitable combination of the foregoing.
[0045] Computer program code for carrying out operations for
aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination
of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented
programming language and conventional procedural programming
languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's
computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software
package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote
computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the
latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's
computer through any type of network, including a local area
network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may
be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet
using an Internet Service Provider).
[0046] Aspects of the present invention are described herein with
reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of
methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products
according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood
that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block
diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations
and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program
instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided
to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose
computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to
produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via
the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing
apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts
specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or
blocks.
[0047] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a
computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other
programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to
function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored
in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture
including instructions which implement the function/act specified
in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
[0048] The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a
computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other
devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on
the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to
produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions
which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus
provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in
the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
[0049] As used herein, an element or function recited in the
singular and proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be
understood as not excluding plural said elements or functions,
unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore,
references to "one embodiment" of the claimed invention should not
be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments
that also incorporate the recited features.
[0050] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ
from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal language of the claims.
* * * * *